What Are the Symptoms of Shock in a Dog?

Shock is a dangerous medical condition that can affect your dog after nearly any injury, from being hit by a car, to a cut, to a bee sting. The progression from early stages of shock to death is rapid, so being able to recognize shock is vital to saving your dog's life. If you suspect your dog is in shock, quick transport to a veterinarian is mandatory.

  1. Temperature

    • Your dog will be cold to the touch with gray- or blue-colored skin and pale, clammy lips, nose and mouth. If you take his temperature rectally, it will be low. As a dog's temperature is a good bit higher than a human's, anything less than 99 degrees Fahrenheit is considered "low." Any temperature less than 82 degrees is potentially deadly. Wrap blankets around your dog to help preserve his body heat.

    Heartbeat

    • Your dog's heart will beat exceptionally fast and you may notice fluttering or skipped beats. While fast, your dog's heartbeat will also be weak.

    Breathing

    • Your dog will pant heavily in order to try to increase oxygen to his blood. He might appear to struggle to breathe or gasp for air.

    Temperament

    • Your normally calm, stable dog may appear agitated, anxious or upset. This progresses to a stage of stupor, and eventually, to coma.

    Pulse

    • In advanced stages of shock, your dog will have a weak, difficult-to-locate pulse. Take your dog's pulse on the inside of her thigh. There is a notch located high on the inside of the thigh, close to your dog's body. Use your pointer and index fingers, seek out the small groove and count the pulse for 15 seconds. Multiply that number by four. Anything less than 60 beats per minute is low.